Ian Cole Signs Three Year, $12.75 Million Contract with Avalanche

DENVER, CO – Two-time Stanley Cup champion, veteran defenseman Ian Cole signed a 3 year, $4.25 million AAV contract with the Colorado Avalanche.

The 29-year-old defenseman had 20 points (five goals, 15 assists) in 67 games with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Pittsburgh Penguins last season. He had seven points (two goals, five assists) in 20 regular-season games with the Blue Jackets after he was acquired in a trade with the Penguins on Feb. 23, and had three assists in six Stanley Cup Playoff games.

“Ian has been a part of two (Stanley) Cup teams, brings leadership and a veteran presence to our blue line,” Avalanche general manager Joe Sakic said. “He’s a strong puck-moving defenseman who is solid in his own zone and kills penalties. We are pleased to have him under contract for the next three years.”

The St. Louis Blues selected Cole in the first round (No. 18) of the 2007 NHL Draft. He has 97 points (20 goals, 77 assists) in 405 NHL games with the Blue Jackets, Penguins and Blues. Cole, who has 17 points (one goal, 16 assists) in 62 playoff games, won the Stanley Cup with the Penguins in 2016 and 2017.